| abstract |
The design of extremely high efficiency solar cells is described. The novel AC bias technique improves the photovoltaic power extraction function by allowing hot carrier extraction, which is higher than the cell band gap. When applied to conventional solar cells, such alternating bias techniques have a potential twice as high as their net efficiency. When applied with a solar cell incorporating a quantum well (QW) or quantum dot (QD) based solar cell, the described alternating bias technique has potential to extend such solar cell power extraction coverage over the entire solar spectrum, Enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such a cell, the novel AC bias technique extends the cell energy conversion function above the cell material band gap, and the quantum confinement structure is used to extend the cell energy conversion function below the cell band gap. The light confinement cavities are incorporated into the cell structure, thereby allowing absorption of light emission within the cell, further improving cell efficiency. |